Two dear ladies are expecting babies. One, named Sarah, is my bestest buddy in the world... …and by “world”, I mean Alaska. Sigh. I am not happy that she is in Alaska, but being a resigned & pious “embrace my crosses” type, I have forgiven her husband for moving her there. The other dear lady is also named Sarah. What are the odds of … [Read more...]
This Wintry Spring’s Eternal
A Study in Contrasts Today we’re taking a look at two sets of contrasts. First, the weather in Minnesota at the end of April: The view from our deck when I got up yesterday I’m sorry. That whole global warning thing? Pretty, yes, but welcome? No! Just. Not. Feeling. It. I’m reminded of that scene in Frog and Toad Are Friends where Frog … [Read more...]
From his Cradle to my Cross
Or: That Which didn’t Kill Me Made Me Stronger On Getting Through Three Weeks of Postpartum Depression My baby was only four days old when I knew that I was getting depressed. How did I know? Basically I was crying ALL the time. The tears started on Christmas Eve (I was very disappointed in how the gift-giving played out) and didn’t stop, … [Read more...]
The Good, the Bad and the Funny: A Birth Story
Part III The thing about being induced is that you have too much time to think things through—and yet, when it comes to labor, delivery, and birthin’ babies, there are never any guarantees. For your convenience, I have categorized the whole experience. .:The Good:. Being induced was good for me, because I hadn’t slept for about a month … [Read more...]
The Good, the Bad and the Funny: A Birth Story
Part II By 11:00 a.m. I couldn’t leave my bed. Life, for me—any kind of motion, for me—was just that miserable. Frankly, I had had enough. At noon I phoned my doctor and pleaded, “Can I be induced today instead? I know I’m scheduled to go in tomorrow but I hurt, Dr. Mary. I really hurt.” “Absolutely,” she replied, and I was reminded yet again … [Read more...]
The Good, the Bad and the Funny: A Birth Story
Part I Three weeks ago today, I was big with child and extremely miserable. The truth, if you must know it, is that I couldn’t even walk, preferring instead to crouch down on all fours and stretch out the aching muscles of my lower back. At one point, thinking that some gentle rocking might help my sore bottom, I asked Angela to go down to the … [Read more...]
“A Righteous Shoot”
That’s what I told my husband we could call our son if he decides to be born tomorrow. “No,” John responded, in a most emphatic tone. “That is not what we would call him.” * * * We’re still here, Baby Berns and I. Yesterday was his due date, as you may recall, and I joked on Facebook that he is either the world’s most patient baby … [Read more...]
7 Not-So-Quick-When-You’re-Waiting-for-Baby Takes
Vol. 30 for Me --- 1 --- Today is the feast of St. John of the Cross. Wouldn’t he be an awesome intercessor for this baby boy?!! Yes, he would. And that is ALL that I’m going to say about that. --- 2 --- You guys, I am so, so tired of speculating about the when/how/and/where of this baby’s birth. One would think, of … [Read more...]
Still Pregnant After All These Years
Even though I am not due, technically, until the 17th…. Photo by Felicity, taken before the vigil Mass last night (allegedly the last photo with this kid on the inside) I’ll admit I was hoping to have this baby today. There’s still hope, right? All things are possible with God and on Mary’s feast days? And really, all this … [Read more...]
7 Quick Takes Friday
Vol. XXIX for Me (The “What I’m Doing while I Wait” Edition) --- 1 --- What am I doing while I wait? I’m blogging, that’s what! How obvious. --- 2 --- I’m also, obviously, struggling with sarcasm. Okay. How’s this for some humility? I am praying asmuchaspossible for the grace that I need to go epidural-free. Pray for me too, okay? I’ll … [Read more...]
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